When to Seek Medical Care

It is always appropriate to see your health care provider for abdominal pain. Diseases of many organs in the abdomen can present with upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. For example, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and kidney ailments may have abdominal pain as the presenting symptom. As well, upper abdominal pain and nausea may be an atypical presentation of angina, or pain from coronary artery disease.

Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry, or bloody stools are medical emergencies and should not be ignored. Accessing care at an emergency department or by activating the emergency medical system (call 911 if available) is appropriate. Sudden, severe pain is also an indication to seek urgent or emergent care.